ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Vice President's Secretariat
‘We have to save our rivers with a sense of immediacy’- Vice President
Calls for a national campaign to rejuvenate Indian rivers
School curricula must include lessons on water conservation: Shri Naidu
Vice President inaugurates Brahmaputra River Heritage-cum-Cultural Centre in Guwahati
Appreciating the heritage centre, Shri Naidu suggests other cultural places too should create green and healthy spaces for people
(The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, today called for a powerful national campaign on the need to rejuvenate our rivers and suggested that ‘we save our rivers with a sense of immediacy’.
Noting that rivers have always been revered in India for their life-regenerating power, Shri Naidu pointed out that growing urbanization and industrialization have led to pollution of rivers and other water bodies in different parts of the country. “In the past, our villages and cities used to be dotted with several water bodies. In the quest for modernization, man, driven by greed, has destroyed natural ecosystems and at several places, the water bodies have virtually disappeared or have been encroached upon”, he observed.
The Vice President, who arrived in Guwahati today on a tour of the North East, began his trip by inaugurating the Heritage-cum-Cultural Centre on the banks of river Brahmaputra. He also visited the museum at the Centre and released a coffee-table book ‘Forever Guwahati’ on this occasion.
Later in a Facebook post, Shri Naidu described his experience of visiting Assam and the river Brahmaputra as unforgettable. He wrote that he was ‘awestruck by the natural beauty of the Brahmaputra, viewed from a splendid riverside garden. I will cherish this memory for a long time.’ He added that the great river, providing livelihood to millions of people, is an integral part of the region’s culture and history.
Noting the importance of rivers and their rejuvenation, Shri Naidu suggested to the Centre and the state governments to include lessons on the importance of water conservation in school curricula. He also suggested that schools should conduct nature camps for students from a young age so that children, especially those living in the urban areas, see and enjoy the splendor of nature.
The Vice President noted the legacy of the hillock where the heritage centre is located as the base camp of the most powerful Borphukan of the Ahom Kingdom, Lachit Borphukan. During the visit, Shri Naidu witnessed several sections of the centre like the art gallery, the Central Hall with the theme ‘Life Along the River’ and ‘Majuli Corner’, containing famed masks, panel paintings and other artifacts.
Shri Naidu appreciated the fact that the heritage campus is pedestrian only and vehicular traffic has been prohibited to maintain the serenity of the place. He suggested other heritage centres around the country too should adopt such green and healthy practices, by creating walking and cycling paths for visitors to explore.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
New DG, Eastern Zone, Ministry of I&B Joins Today
Kolkata, December 14, 2021
Shri Bhupendra Kainthola an Indian Information Service  officer of Batch of 1989 has assumed the charge of Director General , Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, at the office of PIB Kolkata today. Prior to this, Shri Kainthola was the Director Film and Television Institute of India , Pune.
Shri Kainthola has previously worked at Press Information Bureau, Chandigarh and also as the Additional Director General  at Doordarshan News, Delhi. He has also worked in Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity , Directorate of Film Festivals  and Lok Sabha TV .
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
India to achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030
The Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement , an inter-ministerial group, was set up on 27thNovember 2020. Its functions include, inter-alia, coordination, communication and reporting of Nationally Determined Contribution  to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  ;to monitor, review and revisit climate goals to fulfil the requirements under the Paris Agreement; provide guidance for Action Plans under different climate related Missions, etc.
To address and combat climate change, as well as to provide a roadmap to achieve net zero by 2070, India submitted its updated NDC on 26thAugust 2022 with enhanced commitments. As per updated NDC, India has an enhanced target to reduce emission intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030 from 2005 level, achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. India has also submitted its Long-Term Low Carbon Development Strategy on 14thNovember 2022 under the Paris Agreement, to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change .
In its first meeting held on 24th March 2021, AIPA had deliberated on carbon trading scheme for energy sector, by enhancing the scope of existing energy savings trading mechanism. In this regard, the Government has notified the Energy Conservation  Act, 2022 on 19thDecember 2022. It includes provisions for putting in place a domestic carbon market. Further, the Government has also notified the National Designated Authority for the Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement  on 30thMay, 2022 to develop processes and frameworks under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement for international carbon trading in India. The NDAIAPA has identified certain activities for trading of carbon credits under cooperative approaches under the Paris Agreement. However, no administrative infrastructure for monitoring of carbon emissions has been created in partnership with the World Bank.
This information was given by Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Election Commission
Bye Elections to the Council of States from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
There are two casual vacancies in the Council of States as per the following details: -
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S.No
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States
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Name of Member
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Cause of vacancy
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Term of office up to
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-
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Rajasthan
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Madanlal Saini
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Death on 24.06.2019
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03.04.2024
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-
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Uttar Pradesh
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Neeraj Shekhar
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Resignation on 15.07.2019
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25.11.2020
The Commission has decided to hold bye-elections to the Council of States from the above mentioned States to fill up the above said vacancies in accordance with the following programme: -
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Sl.No.
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Events
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Dates and Days
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1.
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Issue of Notifications
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07th August, 2019 
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2.
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Last Date of making nominations
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14th August, 2019 
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3.
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Scrutiny of nominations
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16th August, 2019 
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4.
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Last date for withdrawal of candidature
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19th August, 2019 
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5.
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Date of Poll
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26th August, 2019 
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6.
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Hours of Poll
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9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
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7.
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Counting of Votes
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26th August, 2019  at 5.00 p.m.
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8.
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Date before which election shall be completed
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28th August, 2019 
SBS
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President's Secretariat
President of India graces conference of women's self help groups in Bhopal
Economic self-reliance is an effective means of empowering women: President Murmu
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed a conference of Women’s Self Help Groups in Bhopal today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that to make India self-reliant and developed nation, maximum participation of women is essential. We have to create such an environment in which women feel free and fearless and can make full use of their potential.
The President urged women to inspire each other, help each other, raise their voices together for each other's rights, and move forward together on the path of progress. She said that Women’s Self Help Groups are good platforms for bringing women together and taking them forward in various directions of progress. She was happy to note that this conference is being organised with the aim of progress of society by empowering women.
The President said that economic self-reliance is an effective means of empowering women. Economic and social self-reliance complement each other. Self Help Groups can contribute effectively in the self-reliance of women. She noted that more than four lakh women Self Help Groups are active in Madhya Pradesh. She said that the greater participation of women through Self Help Groups would strengthen the economy, society and the country. The idea of making Women’s Self Help Groups a mass movement, is commendable.
The President noted that women are leading maximum Self Help Groups and selling their products in India and abroad. She was happy to note that products made by tribal women are reaching the consumers through Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited .
The President said that it is a matter of happiness that the women’s literacy rate is increasing in rural areas. Our sisters and daughters are moving towards earning their own livelihood and achieving economic self-reliance. This is resulting in improving the living standard of rural families.
The President said that the overall development of the country lies in the progress of women of our country. She expressed confidence that with the contribution of women, India would emerge as a developed nation in near future.
The President visited Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum in Bhopal this morning. The museum showcases the tribal culture, traditions, customs, paintings and artefacts of the tribes of the region.
Please click here to see the President's speech in Hindi
Prime Minister's Office
PM commends Ramita Jindal for a remarkable bronze in 10m Air Rifle event at Asian Games
The Prime Minister praised shooter Ramita Jindal for a remarkable bronze in 10m Air Rifle Women's  event at Asian Games 2022.
The Prime Minister noted Ramita's unshakable focus and desire to excel and wished her well for achieving greater heights in her chosen sport.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays homage to Pingali Venkayya on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Pingali Venkayya on his birth anniversary.
In a tweet the Prime Minister said;
“I pay homage to the great Pingali Venkayya on his birth anniversary. Our nation will forever be indebted to him for his efforts of giving us the Tricolour, which we are very proud of. Taking strength and inspiration from the Tricolour, may we keep working for national progress.”
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets Indian Air Force on its foundation day
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the Indian Air Force on its foundation day.
"एयर फोर्स डे पर भारतीय वायुसेना के सभी वीर योद्धाओं को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। आप न सिर्फ देश के आसमान को सुरक्षित रखते हैं, बल्कि आपदा के समय मानवता की सेवा में भी अग्रणी भूमिका निभाते हैं। मां भारती की रक्षा के लिए आपका साहस, शौर्य और समर्पण हर किसी को प्रेरित करने वाला है।", the Prime Minister said.
PIB Headquarters
Arrangement of delivery of mails in Tamil Nadu State and Puducherry U.T. on 0710.2019
Consequent on the continuous Postal holidays on 06.10.19, 07.10.19 and 08.10.19, the Department of Posts has made special arrangements for the delivery of Speed Post and Unregistered fully paid mails on 07.10.2019  in Tamil Nadu State and Puducherry U.T. through respective Head and Sub delivery Post Offices, said the press release issued by the Director Postal Services, TN Postal Circle, Chennai.
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches in Tamil Nadu
The Income Tax Department carried out search and seizure operations on 03-03-2021on two groups of civilcontractors in Southern Tamil Nadu. Searches and surveys were conducted in 18 premises mainly in Madurai and Ramnad districts.
Based on intelligence inputs about the existence of cash, which is likely to be distributed for election purposes, searches were mounted on the business groups. The action resulted in the finding of unaccounted cash of Rs. 3 crorewhich was seized.
Other findings include the identification of the fact that the assessee is booking bogus expenses under various heads to reduce the profits. The declared profits were less than 2% of the turnover, when in actual accounts the profits exceeded 20%. Similarly more than 100 subcontractors were introduced to book expenses to meet illegal payments, and on-money payments for property purchases. These subcontractors introduced, had filed returns of income from the same IP address, and for the first time ever, showing only this receipt as their sole income.
As a result of the search, unaccounted income of Rs. 175 crorehas been detected and unaccounted cash of Rs. 3 crorehas been seized.
Further investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Education
Maintenance allowance of Rs 20,000 to be released under Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme  by AICTE
AICTE extends support to J&K and Ladakh students by releasing Rs 20,000 as maintenance allowance
Extending support to J&K and Ladakh students, AICTE has decided to release the instalment of Rs. 20,000/- as maintenance allowance under Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme . The decision has been taken to support & empower students for completing their online studies.
Under the PMSSS Scheme, the youths of J&K and Ladakh are supported by way of scholarship in two parts namely the academic fee & maintenance allowance. AICTE has already released the entire academic fee for the year 2020-21 to all the institutions. The maintenance allowance had been fully released as per scheme guidelines till the end of last academic year 2019-20. Subsequently due to COVID-19, the academic institutions across India were closed and only online classes are going on. Since there is no hostel & mess expenditure involved, the maintenance allowance was suspended, till such time students physically join the institutes.
However, in order to support & empower students for completing online studies, it has been decided to release the instalment of Rs. 20,000/-. The amount shall be released to all the beneficiaries pursuing classes in Odd Semester . The subsequent instalments shall be released once the students shall join physically at their respective institutions based on the verification of continuation certificate issued by the Institution.
Background:
An Expert Group was constituted by the Prime Minister for enhancing employment opportunity among youths of J&K and Ladakh and formulate job opportunities in public and private sectors. Subsequently, Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme  is being implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi.
The Scheme aims to build the capacities of the youths of J&K and Ladakh by Educating, Enabling and Empowering them to compete in the normal course. Under the Scheme, the youths of J&K and Ladakh are supported by way of scholarship in two parts namely the academic fee & maintenance allowance. The academic fee is paid to the institution where the student is provided admission after on-line counselling process conducted by the AICTE. The academic fee covers tuition fee and other components as per the ceiling fixed for various professional, medical and other under-graduate courses. In order to meet expenditure towards hostel accommodation, mess expenses, books & stationery etc., a fixed amount of Rs.1.00 Lakh is provided to the beneficiary and is paid in instalments @ Rs. 10,000/- per month directly into students account.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
AMBULANCE NETWORK FOR VETERINARY NEEDS
Government provides financial assistance to all States / Union Territories  under Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme. From 2021-22, there is a focus on veterinary healthcare services at the farmer’s doorstep through Mobile Veterinary Units . The MVUs may run on Public-Private Partnership  mode with Government providing for infrastructure and manpower outsourced by Implementing Agency including cooperatives and Milk Unions. Call Centre, established by States / UTs, will act as a pivot whilst rendering mobile veterinary services. While 100% Central funds will be towards procurement and customization of mobile veterinary units, recurring operational expenditure would be shared in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern & Himalayan States and 60% for other States, while it is 100% for UTs.
This information was given by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
WCD Ministry to announce Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh
The Union Minister of Women and Child Development  and Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, will announce Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh  on Monday, 18th November 2019 in New Delhi. The BPKK will be a repository of diverse crops across 128 agro-climatic zones in India for better nutritional outcomes.
Smriti Zubin Irani will deliver the keynote address during the function. Mr. Bill Gates, Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will deliver a special address. Eminent agricultural scientist Prof. M. S. Swaminathan will give a special message on this occasion.
The launch of POSHAN Abhiyaan in 2018, the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition to reduce malnutrition through a multi-sectoral results-based framework, offers India an opportunity to reduce malnutrition. The Mission aims at targeted reduction of stunting, undernutrition, anemia and low birth weight babies. A novel feature of the POSHAN Abhiyaan is its focus on social and behavioral change among parents and for improving linkages between communities and the health systems towards paving the way for a mass movement to promote a transformative change.
The Government of India’s efforts towards better nutrition has revolved around providing nutritional supplement and other supply side schemes. However, two other approaches are required to complement the Government’s efforts to promote healthy dietary practices. One, addressing the challenge of malnutrition at such a vast scale requires a basic understanding of the social, behavioral and cultural practices that promote and reinforce healthy dietary behaviours both at the individual and community level including the variation in such practices across India. Two, creating the first ever data base that links relevant agro-food system data at the district, with an aim to map the diversity of native crop varieties that will be more cost-effective and sustainable over the long run.
At the request of the Ministry of WCD the Harvard Chan School of Public Health through its India Research Center and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will document and evaluate promising regional dietary practices and the messaging around them and develop a food atlas on regional agro-food systems. Both efforts are aimed at mobilizing the diverse sectors of the society.
In consultation with Ministry of WCD and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project team will select around 12 high focus states which are representative of the geographical, social, economic, cultural and structural diversities of India. In each of the states or group of states the team will identify a local partner organization which has relevant work experience in Social and Behavior Change Communication  and nutrition for developing the food atlas.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh calls on Governor of Assam, Prof Jagdish Mukhi at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati and apprises him of the ongoing development projects in the State.
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , Dr Jitendra Singh today called on Governor of Assam, Prof Jagdish Mukhi at Raj Bhavan at Guwahati and apprised him of a wide range of issues including the ongoing development projects in the State. He also offered a brief about the projects launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today during his visit to Assam.
Prof Jagdish Mukhi appreciated the development that has taken place in Assam during the last over six years. He commended Prime Minister Narenda Modi for having paved the way for restoration of peace in Assam which has enabled uninterrupted development. He also appreciated innovative methods adopted by the Ministry of North East  for expediting the various infrastructure projects and ensuring optimum utilization of funds.
The DoNER Minister informed the Governor that in the last four years or so, we have successfully initiated innovative techniques of procuring UCs  through Space Satellite Imaging Technique. This, he said, not only saves time but also provides real-time and authentic images.
In order to fast track the development pace of projects, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the submission of DPRs  and other relevant documents has been made totally online and automatic reminders and alerts are sent to the respective State governments, whenever required. Similarly, he said, to avoid delays and to cut short procedures, the respective State governments have been asked to submit their DPRs directly without much interface.
In spite of the COVID pandemic, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Ministry of North East  was able to accomplish full utilization of allocated funds much before the month of March. He said, while elsewhere there might have been some disruption in the working because of lockdown and other constraints, the working in the Ministry of DoNER did not get interrupted even for a single day because it was the first Ministry to totally switch over to e-office way back around five years ago.
The DoNER Minister also apprised the Governor about the recent decision taken for allocation of certain portion of North Eastern Council  funds for development of neglected areas and deprived sections of society. He invited the Governor to pay a visit at the NEC headquarters at Shillong.
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NITI Aayog
MoU between NITI Aayog and Union Territory of Ladakh for Development of Infrastructure Projects
In an important initiative to promote the development of key infrastructure sectors in the newly constituted Union Territory of Ladakh, NITI Aayog entered into a memorandum of understanding  with the UT’s administration on 17 January 2020. Under this MoU, NITI Aayog will be supporting the UT’s administration through its key initiative ‘Development Support Services to States for Infrastructure Projects ’.
The MoU was executed in the presence of NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and Joint Secretary MC Jauhari. It was signed by NITI Aayog Senior Adviser Dr Yogesh Suri and Adviser to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Umang Narula.
The partnership lays thrust on the identification of high-impact priority projects, expedited project implementation, addressing structural-level issues and creating unique models of development for the Union Territory of Ladakh. NITI Aayog has committed to assist the UT’s administration in creating a strategic plan for identifying prioritized infrastructure projects and by providing end-to-end transaction-management support for the identified projects. A dedicated team of professionals is expected to be stationed at Ladakh for identification and development of projects in the UT, especially in tourism, solar energy and basic infrastructure.